blocked the proposed merger of mobile networks O2 and Hutchison Three. "Allowing Hutchison to take over O2 at the terms they proposed would have been bad for UK consumers and bad for the UK mobile sector.

counterparts to veto the proposed merger of O2 and Hutchison 3 in the UK. The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) says the proposed concessions offered by Hutchison fall short of requirements, echoing

The proposed acquisition of O2 UK by 3 mobile owner Hutchison is also on the ropes. The Hong Kong group has firmed up a number of concessions to appease EU regulators, including the transfer of a significant

because O2 UK is itself in the process of being sold to Hutchison Whampoa. However a deal could appeal to TalkTalk, which has already acquired Tesco's Blinkbox streaming video service. Separately, there

Three will go ahead. Three's owner Hutchison Whampoa and O2 parent Telefonica have agreed terms following two months of negotiations. Hutchison UK will acquire its larger rival for £10.3bn, leapfrogging

O2's parent Telefonica is in talks with Hutchison Whampoa regarding a potential merger of O2 with Hutchison's much smaller Three. It is also thought to be negotiating separately with satellite broadcaster